Ramblings of an apothecary

Menu

Herb Talks

Would your garden club, WI or U3A group like to book one of my herb talks? I have now developed a number of special interest talks on herbs and am currently booking talks around Cheshire into Lancashire, Staffordshire and W Yorkshire. Here’s some details of the one- hour talks I have available:

Enjoying Spring Herbs from the Garden

A celebration of Spring and the many herbs we can grow and enjoy from our own garden. Cultivation tips and the history of each herb will be covered. Then I will look at the many uses of these fantastic plants from culinary, cosmetic to household. I have been growing herbs for more than 25 years so have plenty of stories to tell!

Enjoying Autumn Herbs from the Garden

This follows the same format as well the spring herbs talk but is all about the gorgeous herbs which give us pleasure into the autumn.

Edible Flowers

The new trend in eating! Learn how to cultivate and prepare a host of beautiful flowers which will transform the most ordinary dish into something special. Adds a real WOW factor to celebration food and dishes for every day.

Fantastic Food and Drink from Garden Herbs

Learn how to cultivate a continuous supply of fresh herbs for the kitchen to use in some great dishes and drinks. Many of the recipes I will talk about are mediterranean, middle -eastern or Asian in origin. Starters, main courses and desserts will all feature plus some totally delicious cordials and cocktails.

John Gerard – The Tudor Herbalist from Cheshire

This historical talk is based on the life and work of perhaps the most revered and most-quoted English herbalist. He was born in Willaston nr Crewe and his career escalated rapidly culminating in his appointment as herbalist to the Royal Court. His famous herbal, The Historie of Plantes published in 1636, is a joy to read. My talk covers both his life and an exploration of some excerpts from the herbal on garden herbs we still grow today. Much of his writing is light-hearted and amusing.

Christmas Herbs

Discover the traditions, tales and origins behind the beautiful herbs we associate with Christmas and the winter season. Winter is about richly scented herbs, eucalyptus, cloves, cardamom and orange to name but a few. From frankincense and myrrh to the holly and the ivy I will talk about traditions and beliefs surrounding these wonderful herbs and explore their many uses today.